UK
Zoho Books vs Xero for UK businesses
By Harikrishnan, Founder & Chief Zoho Consultant, Flowpeak · 10+ years in Zoho · Published · Last updated
Both Zoho Books and Xero support Making Tax Digital for VAT and UK bank feeds. Zoho Books fits best if you use Zoho CRM, Inventory or Creator, because the data is shared natively. Xero is more familiar to UK accountants and includes UK payroll. Moving from Xero to Zoho Books with Flowpeak starts from GBP 460, or you can keep Xero and connect it to Zoho CRM from GBP 290.
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Xero is the default for many UK small businesses. Zoho Books is a strong alternative when the rest of the business already runs on Zoho.
Side by side
| Area | Zoho Books | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Making Tax Digital (VAT) | Supported | Supported |
| CRM link | Native with Zoho CRM | Through integrations |
| Inventory | Zoho Inventory, same data | Basic tracking, or apps |
| UK payroll | Separate provider (Zoho Payroll was not offered in the UK at our last check) | Built in on most plans |
| Accountant familiarity | Growing | Very common |
| Custom workflows | Deluge scripts and Zoho Creator | App marketplace |
Compare current plan prices on the official Zoho Books and Xero pricing pages.
Choose Zoho Books if
- You use or plan to use Zoho CRM, Inventory, Desk or Creator
- You want quotes and invoices to flow from CRM without syncing
- You need custom approvals or automations
Stay with Xero if
Prices in GBP
| Item | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Xero to Zoho Books migration | GBP 460 |
| Xero + Zoho CRM integration | GBP 290 |
| Zoho CRM setup | GBP 400 |
Working with Flowpeak
We are based in Chennai, India and work with UK businesses remotely. We do not have staff in the UK. India is 4.5 to 5.5 hours ahead of UK time, so your morning overlaps with our afternoon.
Want help putting this into practice? Flowpeak works as a Zoho partner for UK businesses, delivering remotely from Chennai. Book a free call to talk through your setup.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Zoho Books MTD compatible?
Yes, for VAT returns.
Does Zoho Books do UK payroll?
Zoho Payroll was not offered in the UK at our last check, so pair Zoho Books with a payroll provider.
Can I keep Xero and use Zoho CRM?
Yes, with the integration from GBP 290.
What does a Xero to Zoho Books migration cost?
From GBP 460.
What moves in a migration?
Contacts, items, open invoices and bills, and opening balances; scope agreed first.
How long does it take?
Usually one to three weeks.
Can my accountant use Zoho Books?
Yes. Invite them as a user; check Zoho's plan details for user limits.
Do you have staff in the UK?
No. We work remotely from India.
Related
- Zoho Books vs Xero
- Xero to Zoho Books migration guide
- Zoho Books and Making Tax Digital
- Xero + Zoho CRM